Thailand tourist risk mounts after Muslim protester deaths.

(From Lloyds List)

THE Thai Government's heavy-handed approach in the south is increasing terrorism risks at holiday destinations and in Bangkok, writes Kirsten Parker.

Last week, 2,000 Muslims gathered in front of a police station in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, to protest at the arrest of six men accused of supplying weapons to separatist rebels.

In the ensuing riot, the security forces used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators and shot six of them dead.

1,300 protesters were bound and loaded onto trucks, before being taken on a six hour journey to an Army base in neighbouring Pattani province for questioning. Seventy-eight of the detainees died en route, most through suffocation, with a government-employed forensic scientist claiming a few had broken necks.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra claimed the security services had pursued a 'soft approach', suggesting the deceased had been weakened by fasting during Ramadan.

Facing re-election in early 2005, Mr Thaksin's comments, and his inability to quell the ongoing insurgency in the south, will cost him votes. However, such is his grip on power that there is little chance he will be removed from office.